Male infertility is a very important topic to understand but there are many people who ignore it. In most cases, only the woman is asked to get tests done when a couple is not able to have a baby. But male infertility can be equally responsible in this case. That’s why it’s important for both partners to be checked. And fertility test for men play a big role in finding out if there is any issue from the male side.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, a senior IVF specialist and experienced gynaecologist, has guided many couples to understand and treat male infertility. She has over 35 years of experience and she believes that male infertility is equally important as female infertility. In this blog, we will talk about fertility tests for men in detail. We will include why it is needed, what it includes, how it can help to plan the right treatment and more.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility means when a man is not able to make his partner pregnant even after trying for a long time without using any protection. This can happen if the sperm are too few, not moving properly, or not healthy in shape. Sometimes, there may be no sperm at all.
Male infertility can be caused by many things. It can include health problems, past infections, hormone changes, or even habits like smoking or drinking. It’s important to understand that men can also have fertility issues. And a fertility test for men is very helpful to know the reason.
Why Is the Fertility Test for Men Important?
Fertility issues in men are more common than many people think. A fertility test for men plays a very important role to identify the exact reason why a couple may not be able to conceive. It helps doctors to understand the health and quality of a man’s sperm and plan the right treatment.
Here’s why fertility testing for men is important:
- It helps to find the root cause of fertility problems early
- It helps doctors to suggest the right treatment plan
- Fertility test for men also saves time by avoiding guesswork or wrong treatments
- It helps to check sperm count, shape, and movement
- It helps to give men a chance to improve fertility through lifestyle changes
- Increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy with proper guidance
Who Should Get a Fertility Test?
A fertility test is not just for women but men should also consider getting tested, especially when a couple is facing issues in conceiving. The fertility test for man helps to find out if there’s any issue with sperm health or reproductive organs.
Here are some signs that a man should get a fertility test:
- If a couple has been trying to conceive for over 12 months without success
- If the male partner has a history of infections or injuries in the genital area
- There are known issues with erection or ejaculation
- If there’s a history of undescended testicles or surgery in the groin area
- If the man has very low sex drive or hormonal imbalance
- The man has been exposed to radiation, chemicals, or heat at work
- If there is a family history of infertility
Types of Fertility Test for Man
Checking the man’s fertility is just as important as the woman’s when a couple faces issues to get pregnant. A fertility test for men helps doctors to understand if there’s any problem with sperm health or the male reproductive system. These tests are simple, mostly non-invasive, and give a clear idea of what might be affecting fertility.
Here are some common types of male fertility tests:
- Semen Analysis – It helps to check sperm count, movement, shape, and quality.
- Hormone Blood Test – It measures hormones like testosterone and FSH that are linked to sperm production.
- Scrotal Ultrasound – It helps to look for issues like swollen veins (varicocele) or blockages in the testicles.
- Genetic Testing – It is used if sperm count is very low and it helps to detect possible inherited problems.
- Urine Test After Ejaculation – It checks if sperm is flowing backward into the bladder.
- Testicular Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken to see if sperm is being made in the testicles.
What Is Semen Analysis?
Semen analysis is one of the most common and important tests which is used to check male fertility. It helps doctors to understand the health and quality of a man’s sperm. In this test, a semen sample is collected and studied in a lab to see if there are any problems that could affect the ability to make a partner pregnant.
Semen analysis looks at the following factors:
- Sperm Count – How many sperm are present in the semen.
- Motility – How well the sperm move because sperm need to swim to reach the egg.
- Morphology – The shape and structure of the sperm.
- Volume – The total amount of semen produced.
- pH Level – To check the acidity or alkalinity of the semen.
- White Blood Cells – To see if there’s an infection or inflammation.
What Can These Tests Reveal?
The Fertility Test for Men can reveal many important things about a man’s reproductive health. These tests help doctors to find out if there are any issues with the sperm or other problems that could make it difficult for a couple to get pregnant.
Here’s what these tests can show:
- Low Sperm Count – If there are fewer sperm than normal in the semen.
- Poor Sperm Motility – If the sperm don’t move well enough to reach the egg.
- Abnormal Sperm Shape – If many sperm have an unusual shape, which can affect fertility.
- Blockages or Damage – If there is a blockage or injury in the reproductive tract.
- Hormone Imbalance – If hormone levels are not normal, it may affect sperm production.
- Signs of Infection – If there are infections that can harm sperm health.
Male Infertility Treatment
Male infertility treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Once the reason is known through proper testing, doctors can guide the man toward the most suitable solution. There are many treatment options that are available today and most of them are simple and effective.
Here are some common ways to treat male infertility:
- Lifestyle Changes – Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress can improve sperm health.
- Medicines – If there is a hormone imbalance or infection, doctors may give medicines to treat the issue.
- Surgery – In some cases, surgery is done to fix blockages or problems like varicocele (swelling in the veins of the testicles).
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) – If natural pregnancy is not possible, techniques like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) may be used.
- Hormone Therapy – If there is low hormone production, hormone therapy can help improve sperm quality.
- Sperm Retrieval Methods – If there is no sperm in the semen, doctors may try to collect sperm directly from the testicles.
Final Words
Fertility Test for Man is an important step when a couple is facing issues in conceiving. Male infertility is often overlooked, but it can be one of the main reasons behind delayed pregnancy. These tests help in checking sperm count, quality, and other health factors that can affect fertility. In this blog, we’ve explained what male infertility means, why fertility tests are important, who should get tested, different types of tests, and the treatment options available.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) has guided thousands of couples through their fertility journey. With over 35 years of experience, she offers expert evaluation and treatment to men facing fertility issues. If you have concerns or want to discuss your reports, feel free to reach out. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email doctor@risaaivf.com for complete support and advice.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is a fertility test painful for men?
No, most fertility tests for men, like semen analysis or blood tests, are simple and painless. Some tests may involve a physical exam, but they are usually quick and comfortable.
How long does a semen analysis take?
The collection of the sample takes just a few minutes, and the results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the lab.
Can lifestyle affect male fertility?
Yes, habits like smoking, drinking, poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise can affect sperm health and reduce fertility.
At what age should men consider a fertility test?
Men of any age can face fertility issues, but if a couple hasn’t conceived after one year of trying, it’s best for both partners to get tested—regardless of age.
Can male infertility be treated?
Yes. In many cases, male infertility can be treated with lifestyle changes, medicines, or procedures like IUI or IVF depending on the condition.
How much sperm count is considered normal?
A normal sperm count is usually 15 million or more per milliliter of semen, but fertility depends on multiple factors like motility and shape too.
Can a man with low sperm count still become a father?
Yes. Even with low sperm count, many men become fathers with the help of fertility treatments and proper medical care.